Jimmy Cowan recommits to New Zealand rugby

Posted on Feb 17, 2010 in Rugby News

Popular All Blacks, Highlanders and Southland halfback Jimmy Cowan has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Rugby Southland through until the end of 2012, it was announced today.

The re-signing will see the Highlanders captain play his provincial rugby for Southland and Super Rugby for the Highlanders for the next three years.

Jimmy Cowan said: “I really enjoy playing my rugby in New Zealand, and I’m looking forward to the next few years with the All Blacks, Southland and the Highlanders.”

Cowan, who turns 28 next month, made his All Blacks debut in 2004 and has played 32 Tests since then, including all five Tests on the 2009 end of year Telecom Northern Tour to Japan and Europe.

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Guinness Premiership, ESPN reach rights agreement

Posted on Dec 14, 2009 in Rugby News

Multi-Year Deal Brings 43 Live Matches and Exclusive Coverage of Final to ESPN in UK

Premier Rugby and ESPN have agreed a three year contract for exclusive live rights to 43 matches per season from the Guinness Premiership, beginning next season and running through to the 2012-2013 season, including exclusive live coverage of the Guinness Premiership Final and one of the two semi-final matches. The agreement also provides highlight rights for use on ESPN digital media such as ESPNScrum.com.

Jon Varney, Commercial Director of Premier Rugby said, “This deal with ESPN secures a partnership with one of the world’s leading broadcasters, who become yet another blue chip supporter of club rugby in England.

“Starting next season, our new television deals mean we have doubled the number of live televised Premiership matches, which will further raise the profile of the sport in the UK and overseas and will allow our clubs and sponsors to derive even greater exposure and value. It also means supporters have more chance to see their team on live television.

“ESPN are renowned for their innovation and we are all genuinely excited about the opportunity of working with them to drive value in both our businesses.”

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Lineen says Glasgow need to do ML position justice

Posted on Dec 9, 2009 in Rugby News

Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen has this week challenged his players to back-up their status as Magners League leaders by putting in a winning performance against Gloucester when they return to Heineken Cup duty at Firhill on Friday night (kick-off 7:30pm).

“It’s a tail of two tables,” he said. “In the Magners League we’re at the top but in the Heineken Cup we’re at the bottom.

“We need to play like a team that’s at the top of the Magners League to do our current position justice.”

The Warriors lost their two opening games of the European competition away to Newport-Gwent Dragons and at home to Biarritz.

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Namibia claim Africa 1 qualification for RWC 2011

Posted on Nov 30, 2009 in Rugby News

Namibia has won the battle for the Africa 1 qualification spot for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) after defeating Tunisia over a two-match series with an aggregate score of 40-23.

The sides met two weeks ago in Tunis, where Namibia claimed a narrow victory, defeating the home side 18-13. The second leg of their challenge took place yesterday on Namibian homesoil in Windhoek where they defeated the visitors 22-10.

Namibia’s qualification now completes Pool D which includes Fiji, Samoa, South Africa and Wales.

“Our warmest congratulations go to Namibia on their qualification for RWC 2011. The completed line up for Pool D is very strong and will provide some exciting matches in 2011. In particular, I am looking forward to Namibia’s match against their African neighbours, South Africa,” said Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) CEO Martin Snedden.

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Rhydian to raise the roof at Millennium Stadium

Posted on Nov 27, 2009 in Rugby News

The Welsh Rugby Union will be hitting all the right notes with fans tomorrow (Saturday, 28 November) – as Rhydian Roberts is set to perform new hit ‘O Fortuna’ before the Invesco Perpetual Autumn Series clash with Australia at the Millennium Stadium.

The classically trained X Factor finalist will raise the iconic roof with the title song from his new studio album before joining the traditional choir for a medley of Welsh rugby favourites and the national anthems.

Rhydian, who sang for the first time at the Millennium Stadium at the Grand Slam party in 2008, said: “I’m so grateful to the WRU for giving me this opportunity to fulfil a life time ambition of mine.

“The Millennium Stadium is my favourite place to sing and I’m more excited than ever before about tomorrow’s encounter between Wales and Australia. Diolch o’r galon. Cymru am byth!”

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